Method and apparatus for magnetic recording and regeneration

ABSTRACT

At first, the film in a film cartridge is wound up. Next, the film is rewound into the film cartridge, and a perforation indicating a reference position of each frame is detected. Then, predetermined information corresponding to the detected perforation is recorded in the magnetic layer. In another embodiment, when the perforation provided closest to the forward end of the film is detected, the film is rewound a required length. Then the magnetic recording is performed after the rewinding is completed. In another embodiment, two detectors for detecting a perforation is provided. One detector is apart from the other by a multiple of a distance between frames. Every time one detector detects a perforation, magnetic recording/regenerating is carried out.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/466,891filed on Jun. 6, 1995, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of magnetic recording andregeneration and an apparatus for use in such a method and moreparticularly to a method and an apparatus for magnetic recording andregeneration for a photographic film which has a magnetic layer.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a conventional method of controlling a photographic filmconveyance in which one perforation is formed in each frame of the filmand a frame is accurately positioned to be photographed by detecting theperforation (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 4-134341).

And, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,419, there is disclosed a photographic filmin which the perforation formed in each frame is used for detecting theposition of a frame. Moreover, it is disclosed that a magnetic layer isformed on the photographic film by coating a transparent magneticsubstance, and information relating to a frame (a frame number, a title,a print format, the date and time of photographing, the number of printsordered, etc.) is recorded in the magnetic layer.

The perforation which indicates a position of each frame is used wheneach frame is positioned to be photographed, but the Japanese PatentApplication Laid-open No. 4-134341 fails to disclose the use of theperforation in order to record the information relating to a frame in arecord region corresponding to the frame.

Also, the information is recorded in the magnetic layer of the film whenthe film is fed from the film cartridge. Therefore, in the case that theperforation is detected and then predetermined information is recordedin accordance with the detecting position, there is a problem in thatthe information cannot be recorded in the magnetic layer in the forwardend portion of the film where the perforation is not formed.Accordingly, if information relating to the whole film is recorded inthe forward end portion of the film where a film image is not recorded,the magnetic layer of the film can be effectively used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the film isconveyed in the rewinding direction, and the perforation correspondingto each frame is detected, and various information is recorded in apredetermined part of the magnetic layer in accordance with a detectedposition of the perforation. This recording procedure is applied to theforward end portion of the film as well as other parts of the film.Therefore, magnetic information can be recorded in a predetermined partof the magnetic layer in the forward end portion of the film.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the film is conveyed inthe feeding direction and the perforation of the film is detected by afirst detector means. When the perforation which is closest to theforward end of said photographic film is detected, the film is rewoundup to a predetermined position. Sufficient information can be recordedin the magnetic layer between this predetermined position and theperforation which is closest to the forward end of the film. Then, thephotographic film is fed again from the predetermined position andmagnetic information is recorded/regenerated. As a result, the forwardend portion of the film can be used effectively.

Furthermore, according to a still further embodiment of the presentinvention, a second detector for detecting perforations and the magnetichead are provided apart from the first detector. Here, the distancebetween the second detector/the magnetic head and the first detector isa multiple of a distance between frames. Recording and regenerating ofmagnetic information are carried out by the magnetic head every time oneof the first and second detecting means detect the perforation. As aresult, the magnetic information can be recorded in a predeterminedmagnetic layer in the forward end portion of the film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exact nature of this invention, as well as other objects andadvantages thereof, will be readily apparent from consideration of thefollowing specification relating to a accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughoutthe figures and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the first embodiment of a film scanner towhich the method of magnetic recording and regeneration and theapparatus therefore are applied;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating one example of a photographic film whichis used in the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the other example of a photographic filmwhich is employed in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure in the method ofmagnetic recording in the film scanner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the positional relationship between themagnetic head and the capstan in the film scanner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a second embodiment of the film scanner towhich the method and apparatus for magnetic recording and regenerationare applied;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a third embodiment of the film scanner towhich the method and the apparatus for magnetic recording andregeneration are applied; and,

FIGS. 8(A), 8(B), 8(C)and 8(D) are timing charts of signals which aretransmitted from each part of the film scanner of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Detailed description will hereunder be given of the preferred embodimentof a method and an apparatus for magnetic recording and regenerationaccording to the present invention with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a first embodiment of a film scanner towhich the method and the apparatus for magnetic recording andregeneration are applied.

The film scanner which is shown in FIG. 1 generally includes a filmconveying part which conveys the film 50, an image reading part whichpicks up a film image and stores an image data in an image memory, amagnetic recording and regenerating part which writes and reads magneticinformation, a frame detection part which detects each frame, and a CPU30 which controls each of the above-mentioned parts. A detaileddescription of the film scanner will follow.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating one example of a photographic filmcartridge which is employed in the present invention. As shown in FIG.2, in the film 50, a transparent magnetic substance coats the entiresurface opposite to an emulsion surface, so that a magnetic layer isformed. A frame track 52 in which information relating to each frame tobe recorded is disposed under each frame region 56 in the longitudinaldirection of the film. A first leader track 58 and a second leader track60 in which information relating to the whole film to be recorded isprovided in the forward end portion of the film. "Frame track" and"Leader track" will be called "Magnetic track" in the followingdescription.

Magnetic information is recorded on these magnetic tracks by a camerawhich has a magnetic head and a film scanner, etc. which are describedbelow. The magnetic information to be recorded by the camera relate to,for example, photographing conditions, pseudo-zooming, a frame number, aprint format which indicates one of high-vision, panoramic and normal,the date and time of photographing, and so forth.

The film 50 is wound up around a single spool (not shown in the drawing)which is provided within a film cartridge 10, so that the film can behoused.

A perforation 54 is a rectangular hole, and one perforation 54 isarranged between frames. Perforations are also formed before the firstframe and after the last frame, and the number of perforations is onemore than the number of frames. As a result, when the film 50 is rewoundinto the film cartridge 10, the perforation 54A which is closest to theforward end of the film can be used as a basis for magnetic recording inthe leader tracks 58 and 60 at the forward end of the film 50.

In FIG. 1, the film conveying part comprises a film supplying part inwhich the film cartridge 10 is mounted, a film winding part (notillustrated) which winds up the film 50 carried from the film supplyingpart around a winding reel 12, and a capstan 14 which is arranged on thefilm carrying path and controls the film conveyance speed.

The image reading part comprises a light source 16 which illuminates aframe, a lens 18 which forms the film image illuminated by the lightsource 16 or a CCD line sensor 20, a CCD line sensor 20 which convertsimage light formed via the lens 18 into signal charge of R, G and Bcorresponding to the light strength, an A/D converter 22 which convertsan image signal transmitted from the CCD line sensor 20 into a digitalimage signal, and an image memory 24 which stores the digital imagesignal transmitted from the A/D converter 22.

The magnetic recording and regenerating part includes a magnetic head28. The magnetic head 28 reads out information written in the frametrack 52 and the leader tracks 58 and 60 of the film 50, and writes theinformation in the frame track 52 and the leader tracks 58 and 60.

The frame detection part is composed of an optical sensor 26. Theoptical sensor 26 illuminates the film to detect reflection light, anddetects the perforation 54 which is formed in each frame on the film 50.

The CPU 30 controls the film conveying part, the image reading part, andthe magnetic recording and regenerating part in accordance with theposition of the perforation detected by the optical sensor 26.

Next, one example of a processing procedure for the film scannerconstructed in the above-mentioned manner will be explained.

When the film cartridge 10 housing a developed film is set in the filmsupplying part, the forward end of the film 50 is sent out from the filmcartridge 10. The film 50 is conveyed to the film winding part by thecapstan 14. The film 50 which has reached the film winding part is woundby the winding reel 12, and the film 50 is carried at a fixed speed fromthe film supplying part to the film winding part. At this time, theoptical sensor 26 detects the perforation 54 corresponding to eachframe, and positions of a picked-up frame region 56 and magnetic dataregions 52 and 58 are determined in accordance with the detectedperforation 54. And, the image data and the magnetic information arestored in the image memory 34 and RAM (which is not shown in thedrawing) respectively by the image reading part and the magnetic dataregeneration part. Then, the entire film 50 is conveyed up to the filmwinding part, and the image data and the magnetic information of allframes are stored in the image memory 24 and the RAM respectively.

Next, displayed on a monitor (which is not shown in the drawing) is anindex screen which shows information relating to all frames, each frameand a film as a whole. When the user enters new information concerningeach frame or a film as a whole in accordance with a predeterminedprocedure while looking at the screen, the contents in the RAM areaccordingly replaced.

When the processing on the index screen is completed, the film 50 isrewound and the new information stored in the RAM is written in amagnetic layer of the film 50 by the magnetic head 28. At this time, thepositions of the frame track 52, the leader track 58 and 60 are detectedby the detection of the perforation 54. Then, the information concerningeach frame is recorded in the frame track 52 which is provided in thevicinity of each frame, and the information relating to the film as awhole is recorded in the leader tracks 58 and 60 in the forward endportion of the film. The information relating to each frame areinformation concerning a frame number, a title, a print format (ahigh-vision image, a panoramic image and a normal image), the date andtime, the number of prints ordered, the photographic conditions of AEdata which indicates the brightness of each frame and the like. Theinformation relating to the film as a whole are information concerning amaterial of the film, an ID number for telling the film from othercartridges, data which indicates the winding direction of the film suchas normal winding and pre-winding during photographing.

As mentioned above, after new information is stored in the frame track52, the leader tracks 58 and 60 of the film 50, the regeneration, etc.are carried out for the film in accordance with the information.

A detailed explanation will be given of a method of magnetic recordingin the frame track 52 and the leader tracks 58 and 60 in the film 50.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure in which informationstored in the RAM is written in the frame track 52 and the leader tracks58 and 60 of the film 50.

First, it is determined if the film 50 is wound up to the last framearound the winding reel 12 (S10). If not, the film is conveyed so as tobe wound to the last frame (S12). Once the film is completely wound,rewinding of the film 50 starts from the film winding part into the filmsupplying part the, film cartridge 10 (S14)). When the optical sensor 26detects a perforation 54 (S16), information relating to the frame whichis carried after the detected perforation 54 is read out from the RAM,and is recorded in the frame track 52, which is located under the frame,by the magnetic head 28 (S18).

Moreover, it is detected whether or not the writing of the informationrelating to the frame which is closest to the forward end of the film(first frame) is completed (S20). In the case that it is not completed,the operation returns to the step S16, and the processing from the stepS16 to S20 is repeated. As a result, the information relating to eachframe is recorded in the frame track 52 corresponding to each frame. Onthe other hand, after the writing of the information relating to thefirst frame is completed, the first perforation 54 is detected (S22).Because the detected perforation 54 is a perforation which is closest tothe forward end of the film, the information concerning the whole filmis written in the leader tracks 58 and 60 in the forward end portion ofthe film (S24). Then, the entire film 50 is wound into the filmcartridge 10 (S26), so that the recording is completed (S28).

The explanation was given of the method of magnetic recording in thecase when the film is rewound. As for a method of magnetic recording,there is another method which is carried out when the film is fed.However, it is more advantageous to carry out the magnetic recordingwhen the film is rewound. Next, an explanation will be given of thisadvantage.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a positional relationship between thecapstan and the magnetic head.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the film 50 is sent out from the film cartridge10, a spool 11 within the film cartridge 10 is rotated in the feedingdirection of the film so that the forward end of the film can be fedfrom the film cartridge 10. After the forward end of the film reachesthe capstan 14, the film is carried out by the drive force of thecapstan 14.

The magnetic head 28 is provided between the capstan 14 and the filmcartridge 10, and carries out the magnetic recording while the film 50passes between a pad 70 for pushing the head and the magnetic head 28.

X is indicative of a distance between the capstan 14 and the magnetichead 28.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the case that the magnetic recording is performedwhen the film is sent out, the forward end of the film 50 passes themagnetic head before reaching the capstan 14. If the magnetic recordingwas started from the forward end portion of the film 50, the film 50could not easily pass the magnetic head because the film 50 is pushed bythe magnetic head 28 and the pad 70. As a result, the film 50 becomesloose, and jamming and the like are caused. To avoid these problems, themagnetic recording has to be started after the forward end of the film50 reaches the capstan 14. However, in the case that the magneticrecording is started after the forward end of the film 50 reaches thecapstan 14, it is impossible to perform magnetic recording on themagnetic region in the forward end portion between the forward end ofthe film 50 and a position apart from the forward end. Accordingly, touse the magnetic record region in the forward end portion of the film 50sufficiently, the distance X between the magnetic head 28 and thecapstan 14 should be short as much as possible. In this case, however,the arrangement of the magnetic head 28 and the capstan 14 is limited.

On the other hand, just like the method of magnetic recording in theabove-mentioned embodiment in the present invention, in the case thatthe magnetic recording is performed when the film is rewound, the film50 is conveyed while being pulled by the spool 11 in the driven filmcartridge 10. Therefore, the problem of jamming and the like can beavoided. As a result, in this embodiment, the arrangement of themagnetic head 28 is not regulated, and the recording can be completelycarried out up to the forward end of the film 50.

As mentioned above, it is more advantageous to carry out the magneticrecording once the film is wound than after the film is rewound.

The method of magnetic recording in the film scanner was described inthe first embodiment, but the method of magnetic recording should not beonly used in the film scanner.

For example, in a camera with a so-called rewinding system, the entirefilm is wound around a winding axis, and then the film is rewound intothe film cartridge one frame by one every time a photographing isperformed. Therefore, the writing of magnetic information can be carriedout when the film is rewound by one frame for the next photographingjust as in the above-mentioned method of magnetic recording. Also, inthe camera of a normal-winding system, the method of magnetic recordingin the above-mentioned embodiment can be employed after thephotographing of all frames is over.

In the method of magnetic recording in the present invention, the filmin which two perforations are formed for each frame as shown in FIG. 3can be used as well as the film in which one perforation is formed foreach frame as shown in FIG. 2. In the film 50 of FIG. 3, perforations 54are formed beside the front and back ends of each frame, and aperforation 54A is formed at the front of the first frame, and aperforation 54B is formed at the back of the last frame. That is, whenthe number of frames on a roll of film is N ("N" is an integer), 2(N+1)perforations are formed on the film 50. When the above-mentioned methodof magnetic recording is applied to this film, the writing of themagnetic information is performed every time an odd number perforationis detected, or every time an even number perforation is detected.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a second embodiment of the film scanner towhich the method and the apparatus for the magnetic recording andregeneration are applied. The same numerals are put on the parts commonto those of FIG. 1, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 6, the film cartridge 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 ismounted in the film supplying part, and the film 50 which is sent outfrom the film cartridge 10 is conveyed on the film conveying path to bewound around the winding reel 12 of the film winding part. The capstan14 (which controls the conveyance speed of the film), a perforationsensor 124, a CCD line sensor 128, a magnetic head 118, etc. areprovided on the film carrying path.

The film 50 is conveyed through and between the capstan 14 and apinching roller 116. A pulse generating rotational plate 132A isconnected to the capstan 14 in such a manner that it rotates togetherwith the capstan 14. A pulse generating device 132B transmits a pulse toa CPU 130 every time the rotational plate 132A rotates by apredetermined angle. By counting the pulse, the distance in which thefilm 50 is conveyed can be detected. A detailed explanation about itwill be given later. The pulse is also used for the detection of thefilm conveyance speed. The CPU 130 transmits a control signal for acapstan motor 117 to convey the film 50 at a predetermined speed via adriver 115.

The perforation sensor 124 optically detects the perforation 54 of thefilm 50. A light-emitting diode 122 faces the perforation sensor 124across the film conveying path. The light from the light-emitting diode122 is detected by the perforation sensor 124 only when the light passesthrough the perforation 54 which is provided in the film 50.Accordingly, when the perforation sensor 124 detects the light from thelight-emitting diode 122, one of the perforation 54 in the film 50 facesthe perforation sensor 124 across the film conveying path, so that aframe and a magnetic track which correspond to the perforation 54 can bedetermined.

Moreover, the perforation sensor 124 has a predetermined positionalrelationship with the magnetic head 118. The magnetic head 118 startswriting or reading magnetic information at the same time as when theperforation 54 of the film 50 is conveyed in the feeding direction. Asdescribed above, the recording and regenerating magnetic information inthe magnetic track are carried out.

The CCD line sensor 128 is provided perpendicular to the film conveyancedirection, and picks up a frame image on the film 50. A light source 126is a long fluorescent light, and is provided in the directionperpendicular to the film conveyance direction. The light source 126illuminates the film 50 being conveyed. Then, the image light which wastransmitted through the film 50 is formed on a light-accepting surfaceof the CCD line sensor 128 through a taking lens 127. The image lightwhich is formed at the CCD line sensor 128 is converted into an electricsignal. Then, various kinds of signal processing are performed on theelectric signal, which is transmitted as a video signal to an imagedisplay apparatus (not shown). As a result, the frame image is displayedon the image display apparatus.

The magnetic head 118 writes magnetic information in the film 50 whichis pushed by the pad 120, and reads out the magnetic information of thefilm 50. The magnetic head 118 is provided in such a manner that adistance between the magnetic head and the capstan 14 (a distance Mwhich is shown in FIG. 6) is shorter than a distance L which is shown inFIG. 2. The distance L indicates a distance between the forward end ofthe film 50 and the forward end of a first leader track 58. The reasonwhy the arrangement is restricted is that at least the forward end ofthe film needs to reach the capstan 14 and the film 50 has to beconveyed by the capstan 14 at a fixed speed so as to perform the readingand writing of magnetic information in the first leader track 58 at thetime of feeding the film 50.

Next, an explanation will be given of the operation of the film scannerin the case when the magnetic information is recorded in the magnetictrack at the time of feeding the film. The magnetic information has beenset before being recorded in the magnetic track, and the magneticinformation is stored in a storage memory within the film scanner. Whenbeing written in the magnetic track, the magnetic information whichcorresponds to each magnetic track is read out from the storage memoryand the readout information is recorded in the magnetic track.

The state of the film in the case when the recording of magneticinformation is started differs in accordance with the processing whichis carried out before the recording of the magnetic information. Forexample, the entire film 50 is wound up in the film supplying part, thefilm 50 is wound up in the film winding part up to the last frame, orthe film 50 is being wound in the film winding part up to a middleframe.

First, in the case where the first perforation 54A which is providedclosest to the forward end of the film 50 is to the left of theperforation sensor 124 in FIG. 6, the film 50 is conveyed in the feedingdirection to detect the first perforation 54A. On the other hand, whenthe first perforation 54A is to the right of the perforation sensor 124in FIG. 6, the film 50 is conveyed in the rewinding direction to detectthe first perforation 54A. After the perforation 54A is detected, thefilm 50 is conveyed in the rewinding direction. The CPU 130 counts thepulse, which is transmitted from the pulse generating device 132B everytime the plate 132A rotates by a predetermined angle, and it observeshow much the film 50 is rewound after the detection of the perforation54A. When the CPU 130 detects that the perforation 54A reaches theposition of the magnetic head 118, the film 50 is rewound as describedhereinafter and is subsequently conveyed in the feeding direction sothat the magnetic information can be written in the first leader track58.

In further detail, when perforation 54a is determined to be located atmagnetic head 118, the film is conveyed in the rewind direction. WhenCPU 130 detects that the film 50 is rewound by two frames, it changesthe film carrying direction to the feeding direction, and starts writingthe magnetic information in the first leader track 58.

Next, the CPU 130 counts the pulse from the pulse regenerating device132B, and detects the forward end of the second leader track 60, andstarts writing the magnetic information in the second leader trackthere.

When the recording in the second leader track 60 is over, the firstperforation 54A is detected again. At this time, the CPU 130 startswriting the magnetic information, and the magnetic information isrecorded in a frame track 52A which corresponds to the first frame.

After that, the perforation sensor 124 detects each perforation 54, andthe magnetic information concerning each frame which corresponds to theperforation 54 is recorded in each frame track 52.

As described above, the control of the film carrying, which is performedwhen the magnetic information is recorded in the magnetic track, is alsocarried out when the magnetic information which is recorded in themagnetic track of the film 50 is regenerated. Therefore, the magneticdata at the forward end of the film, where a perforation is not formed,can be regenerated.

In the second embodiment, there is no principle restriction to arrangeeach device close to each other on the film conveyance path. Thereforethe entire apparatus can be small size.

Next, an explanation will be given of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a third embodiment of the film scanner.The same numerals are put on the same parts as those of the secondembodiment in FIG. 6, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

In FIG. 7, a light-emitting diode 200 and a perforation sensor 202 arenewly provided on the film carrier path. They are not provided in theabove-mentioned second embodiment. The light-emitting diode 200 and theperforation sensor 202 are provided on the film supplying part away fromthe perforation sensor 124. The distance between the perforation sensor124 and the light-emitting diode 200/the perforation sensor 202corresponds to that of two(2) frames.

Two sensors 124 and 202 detect the perforations while the film is beingconveyed, and send signals indicating that the perforations are detectedto an OR gate 204. Then a signal indicating the logical OR of inputsignals from the perforation sensor 124 and 202 is transmitted from ORgate 204 to CPU 230.

When receiving the signal, the CPU 230 makes the magnetic head 118write/read out magnetic information in/from the magnetic track whichreaches at the magnetic head 118.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating the state of a signal from theperforation sensors 124 and 202 and the magnetic track which passes themagnetic head 118 in the case when the magnetic recording andregenerating is carried out by conveying the film 50 in the feedingdirection.

First, when the film 50 is conveyed in the feeding direction, the firstperforation which is formed at the head of the film 50 is detected bythe perforation sensor 202 (No.1 in FIG. 8(A)). On the other hand, theperforation sensor 124 does not detect the first perforation at thistime as shown in FIG. 8(B). The OR gate 204 sends a signal indicatingdetection of the perforation by the perforation sensor 202 to the CPU230 (FIG. 8(C)). At this moment, the first leader track 58 reaches atthe magnetic head 118 (refer to FIG. 8(D)). As a result, thereading/writing of magnetic information for the first leader track 58 iscarried out.

Next, the second perforation is detected by the perforation sensor 202(No.2 in FIG. 8(A)). At this time, the perforation sensor 124 does notdetect the perforation as shown in FIG. 8(B). The OR gate 204 sends asignal indicating detection of the perforation to the CPU 230 (FIG.8(C)) because the perforation sensor 202 detects the perforation. Atthis time, the second leader track 60 arrives at the magnetic head 118(refer to FIG. 8(D)). As a result, the magnetic information is readout/written in the second leader track 60.

When the film 50 is further conveyed, the third perforation is detectedby the perforation sensor 202 (No.3 in FIG. 8(A)). At the same time, thefirst perforation which is provided on the head of film 50 is detectedby the perforation sensor 124 (No.1 in FIG. 8(B)). At this time, theframe track 52 of the frame corresponding to the first perforation whichis detected by the perforation sensor 124 reaches the magnetic head 118.As a result, the magnetic information is read out/written in the frametrack 52.

After this, the frame track 52 which corresponds to the perforationdetected by the perforation sensor 124 reaches the magnetic head 118every time the OR gate 204 generates the signal indicating the detectionof the perforation. Therefore the magnetic information is readout/written in the magnetic track 52.

That is, after the perforation sensor 124 starts detecting theperforation, the frame track 52 which corresponds to the perforationdetected by the perforation sensor 124 reaches the magnetic head 118.Therefore, when the signal is transmitted from the perforation sensor124, the magnetic information relating to a frame which corresponds tothe perforation 54 detected by the perforation sensor 124 is recorded.

The film 50 of FIG. 2 has forty frames and forty-one perforations.Therefore, a signal which indicates the detection of the perforation istransmitted forty-one times from the perforation sensors 124 and 202.

As mentioned above, the first and second leader tracks 58 and 60, whichare located in the forward end portion of the film where the perforation54 is not formed, are detected by the perforation sensor 202. As shownin the timing chart of FIG. 8(C) the output signal from the OR gate 204is generated as if the perforation was provided for the leader track 58and 60. Therefore magnetic information can be recorded/regenerated inthe forward end portion of the film 50 in the simple sequence in whichthe writing/reading of magnetic information is performed with the outputof the signal indicating the detection of the perforation from the ORgate 204. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a special sequencefor the writing/reading magnetic information in the forward end portionof the film 50.

In this embodiment, the perforation sensor 124 and the magnetic head 118are provide two frames apart from the perforation sensor 202. Actually,the perforation sensor and the magnetic head are provided in such amanner that the total number of the output signals from the OR gate toindicate the detection of the perforation is more than the number ofmagnetic tracks on the film 50.

That is, the first leader track is required only to reach the magnetichead 118 after the first output of the signal that indicate detection ofthe perforation from the OR gate 204.

For example, the perforation sensor 124 and the light source 122 of FIG.7 can be moved in the feeding direction (that is, the right direction ofFIG. 7) by one frame. In this case, in a timing chart of FIG. 8, whenthe perforation sensor 202 detects the fourth perforation of the film,the perforation sensor 124 detects the first perforation. Therefore, thetotal number of output signals from the OR gate 204 to indicate thedetection of perforations is 44.

As has been described above, according to the present invention, themagnetic recording of a film in which magnetic information can berecorded is performed when the film is rewound, so that the magneticrecording for the magnetic region on the forward end portion of the filmin which the perforations is not provided is performed in similarprocedure for the film except for the forward end portion.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the film isconveyed in the feeding direction and the perforation which is closestto the forward end of photographic is detected. Then, it is observed howmuch the film is conveyed, and the film is rewound up to the position ofthe magnetic track at the head of the film. From that position, themagnetic information is recorded and regenerated. In another embodimentof the present invention, two detectors for detecting perforations areprovided in such a manner that one detector is apart a predetermineddistance from another. When one of the detectors detects theperforation, information is recorded in the magnetic region. As aresult, it is not necessary to provide the perforation so as todetermine the magnetic track at the head of the film. Furthermore, themagnetic recording/regenerating for the head of the film is performedaccurately in a simple sequence.

It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limitthe invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, alternate constructions andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of magnetic recording which is appliedto a film cartridge winding a photographic film which has a magneticlayer and perforations indicating a reference position of each framearound a single spool, comprising the steps of:rewinding thephotographic film into the film cartridge; detecting the perforations,which include respective single perforations formed between frames, oneperforation formed before a first frame and one perforation formed aftera last frame, at the time of said step of rewinding; and recordinginformation which corresponds to the detected perforations in themagnetic layer during rewinding of the photographic film, a number offrames recorded on the photographic film being N, such that N is aninteger, N+1 perforations being formed on the photographic film, everytime a perforation is detected, information relating to a framefollowing the detected perforation is recorded in the magnetic layer,including detection of an Nth perforation, and when an (N+1)thperforation is detected, information relating to the photographic filmas a whole is recorded in the magnetic layer.
 2. The method of magneticrecording of claim 1, wherein when the (N+1)th perforation is detected,the information relating to the photographic film as a whole is recordedin a track in the magnetic layer of a leader portion of the photographicfilm, the leader portion of the photographic film having no perforationsformed therein.
 3. The method of magnetic recording of claim 2, furthercomprising recording additional information relating to the photographicfilm as a whole in a second track in the magnetic layer in the leaderportion of the photographic film subsequent recording of the informationrelating to the photographic film as a whole.
 4. The method of magneticrecording of claim 1, wherein each frame has a predetermined framelength, the information relating to the photographic film as a wholebeing recorded in the magnetic layer within a distance from the (N+1)thperforation which is less than the predetermined frame length.
 5. Amethod of magnetic recording and regenerating in which a film conveyerfeeds a photographic film.
 6. The method of magnetic recording andregenerating according to claim 5, wherein said film conveyer includes acapstan for conveying said photographic film at a fixed speed.
 7. Themethod of magnetic recording and regenerating according to claim 5,whereina pulse generator which generates a pulse signal at the time ofconveying said photographic film and a counter which counts the pulsesignal generated by said pulse generator are provided; and said requiredlength is determined by counting pulse signals after a detection of thefirst perforation.
 8. An apparatus for magnetic recording andregeneration, comprising:means for conveying a photographic film havinga magnetic layer and perforations indicating a reference position ofeach frame at a predetermined speed; first detecting means for detectingsaid perforations; second detecting means for detecting saidperforations, said second detecting means being provided at a positionapart from said first detecting means by a multiple of a distancebetween frames in a film feed direction; a magnetic head forrecording/regenerating information in the magnetic layer correspondingto each frame and the magnetic layer on a forward end portion of saidphotographic film in which a perforation is not provided; and means formaking said magnetic head record and regenerate information every timeat least one of said first and second detecting means detect aperforation.
 9. A method of recording on photographic film having, aleader portion, a magnetic layer and a plurality of perforationsindicating respective reference positions of each frame of thephotographic film, the photographic film being wound from a filmcartridge, comprising the steps of:rewinding the photographic film intothe film cartridge; detecting the perforations, including two respectiveperforations formed for each frame which respectively indicate a forwardend and a rear end of a frame, a perforation formed before a first frameand a perforation formed after a last frame, during said step ofrewinding; and recording information which correspond to the detectedperforations in the magnetic layer of the photographic film, a number offrames recorded on the photographic film being N, such that N is aninteger, 2N+2 perforations being formed on the photographic film, everytime an even-numbered perforation is detected, information relating to aframe following the detected even-numbered perforation is recorded inthe magnetic layer, including detection of a 2Nth perforation, and whena (2N+2)th perforation is detected, information relating to thephotographic film as a whole is recorded in the magnetic layer in theleader portion, the leader portion having no perforations formedtherein.
 10. A method of recording/reproducing data on a magnetic layerof photographic film which includes a plurality of frames and aplurality of perforations which indicate corresponding referencepositions of each of the frames, the photographic film being woundwithin a film cartridge, comprising the steps of:a) prefeeding thephotographic film from the film cartridge toward a take-up spool; b)detecting a first perforation closest to a forward end of thephotographic film during said step a); c) rewinding the photographicfilm by a predetermined length after detection of the first perforationin said step b); d) feeding the photographic film after completion ofsaid step c); and e) recording/reproducing the data on the magneticlayer of the photographic film during said step d).
 11. The method ofrecording/reproducing of claim 10, wherein said steps a), c) and d)comprise conveying the photographic film at a fixed speed with acapstan.
 12. The method of recording/reproducing of claim 10, whereinsaid step c) comprises:c1) rewinding the photographic film; c2)generating a pulse representative of rewinding of the photographic filmduring said step c1) by a unit distance; c3) counting the generatedpulses; and c4) stopping rewinding of said step c1) upon determinationthat the counted pulses equal a predetermined number, the predeterminedlength equaling the predetermined number of unit distances.
 13. A methodof recording/reproducing data on a magnetic layer of photographic filmwhich includes a plurality of frames and a plurality of perforationswhich indicate corresponding reference positions of each of the frames,the photographic film being wound within a film cartridge, comprisingthe steps of:a) feeding the photographic film from the film cartridge toa take-up spool; b) rewinding the photographic film from the take-upspool toward the film cartridge; c) detecting a first perforationclosest to a forward end of the photographic film during said step b);d) rewinding the photographic film by a predetermined length afterdetection of the first perforation in said step c); e) feeding thephotographic film after completion of said step d); and f)recording/reproducing the data on the magnetic layer of the photographicfilm during said step e).
 14. The method of recording/reproducing ofclaim 13, wherein said steps a), b), d) and e) comprise conveying thephotographic film at a fixed speed with a capstan.
 15. The method ofrecording/reproducing of claim 13, wherein said step d) comprises:d1)rewinding the photographic film; d2) generating a pulse representativeof rewinding of the photographic film during said step d1) by a unitdistance; d3) counting the generated pulses; and d4) stopping rewindingof said step d1) upon determination that the counted pulses equal apredetermined number, the predetermined length equaling thepredetermined number of unit distances.
 16. A method of recording onphotographic film having a leader portion, a magnetic layer and aplurality of perforations indicating respective reference positions ofeach frame of the photographic film, the photographic film being woundfrom a film cartridge, comprising the steps of:rewinding thephotographic film into the film cartridge; detecting the perforations,including two respective perforations formed for each frame whichrespectively indicate a forward end and a rear end of a frame, aperforation formed before a first frame and a perforation formed after alast frame, during said step of rewinding; and recording informationwhich correspond to the detected perforations in the magnetic layer ofthe photographic film, a number of frames recorded on the photographicfilm being N, such that N is an integer, 2N+2 perforations are formed onthe photographic film, every time an odd-numbered perforation isdetected, information relating to a frame following the detectedodd-numbered perforation is recorded in the magnetic layer, includingdetection of a (2N-1)th perforation, and when a (2N+2)th perforation isdetected, information relating to the photographic film as a whole isrecorded in the leader portion, the leader portion having noperforations formed therein.
 17. A method of recording on photographicfilm having a leader portion, a magnetic layer and a plurality ofperforations indicating respective reference positions of each frame ofthe photographic film, the photographic film being wound from a filmcartridge, comprising the steps of:rewinding the photographic film intothe film cartridge; detecting the perforations during rewinding, thephotographic film including respective single perforations formedbetween frames, one perforation formed before a first frame and oneperforation formed after a last frame such that N+1 perforations areformed in the photographic film; recording information in the magneticlayer of the photographic film during rewinding each time a perforationis detected, information relating to the photographic film as a wholebeing recorded in the magnetic layer in the leader portion upondetection of the (N+1)th perforation, the leader portion having noperforations formed therein.
 18. The method of recording of claim 17,wherein the information relating to the photographic film as a whole isrecorded in a first track, the method of recording further comprisingrecording additional information relating to the photographic film as awhole in a second track in the leader portion.
 19. The method ofrecording of claim 18, wherein the first track is recorded in a firstarea of the leader portion immediately adjacent the (N+1)th perforationand the second track is recorded in a second area of the leader portionlocated subsequent the second area.
 20. The method of recording of claim17, wherein each frame has a predetermined frame length, the informationrelating to the photographic film as a whole being recorded in theleader portion within a distance from the (N+1)th perforation which isless than the predetermined frame length.